Glossary
Grants

Uniform Guidance

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 2, 2025

DEFINITION:

Uniform Guidance is a set of federal rules that standardize how organizations manage, spend, and report federal grant funds.
Uniform Guidance refers to a set of federal regulations (2 CFR Part 200) that standardize administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal grants and cooperative agreements. Issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Uniform Guidance consolidates and supersedes previous circulars, aiming to reduce administrative burden and risk of waste, fraud, and abuse. It applies to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and state and local governments receiving federal funds. Key areas covered include allowable costs, subrecipient monitoring, procurement standards, and internal controls. Uniform Guidance is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper stewardship of federal grant funds while streamlining compliance requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Standardizes federal grant management requirements
  • Applies to nonprofits, governments, and educational institutions
  • Focuses on transparency, accountability, and compliance
  • Impacts allowable costs, procurement, and reporting

Why It Matters

It helps nonprofits comply with federal grant rules and maintain funding.

Real World Example

A community health nonprofit receives a federal grant to support its outreach programs. To comply with Uniform Guidance, the organization must track grant expenditures separately, ensure all costs charged are allowable, and maintain documentation for each expense. Staff use Aplos to categorize transactions, monitor budget adherence, and generate reports required by federal agencies. During an audit, the nonprofit is able to quickly provide accurate financial records and demonstrate compliance with procurement and internal control standards, ensuring continued eligibility for future federal funding.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos accounting software supports nonprofits in tracking grant funds and expenses in compliance with Uniform Guidance. Features like fund accounting, budgeting, and reporting help ensure accurate documentation of grant-related activities, making it easier to meet federal requirements and simplify audits.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who must follow Uniform Guidance?

Nonprofits, educational institutions, and state and local governments receiving federal grant funds must comply with Uniform Guidance.

What are allowable costs under Uniform Guidance?

Allowable costs are specific expenses that are necessary, reasonable, and permitted under the grant's terms and Uniform Guidance regulations.

How does Uniform Guidance affect nonprofit accounting?

It requires detailed tracking, documentation, and reporting of federal grant funds to ensure transparency and compliance with federal standards.

What happens if an organization doesn't comply?

Noncompliance can lead to grant repayment, loss of future funding, or audit findings against the organization.

How can Aplos help with Uniform Guidance compliance?

Aplos provides fund accounting, reporting, and documentation tools tailored for grant compliance and federal audit preparation.